Performs intermediate skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system.

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

Employees in this class perform a variety of semi-skilled to skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the operation, maintenance and repair of the water distribution system for the Town.  Work involves the operation of construction and hand equipment in the assessment, repair and replacement of water pipes to specific grade and depth, and back filling and compacting the site. Work also includes making taps to water mains; installing meter boxes; checking and repairing service lines, valves, fire hydrants, and other utility infrastructure; and performing scheduled and emergency operations as needed.  Employees also perform electronic meter reading and manual re-reads, turn on or cut off water service to customers, and locate water lines for NC811 tickets.  Employees collect water samples and perform minor laboratory tests.  The employees perform minor maintenance and lubrication on equipment used in the work, general custodial and grounds maintenance duties, and other upkeep and maintenance duties as assigned by the supervisor, including assisting with other employees with sanitation/solid waste/yard debris collection, park maintenance, and maintenance of grounds, utility easements and rights-of-way.  Employees in the class operate a variety of equipment including mowers, weed eaters, bush hogs, backhoes, excavators, pickup trucks, dump trucks, shovels, and other hand tools.  The employees are subject to hazards associated with operating equipment including working both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils.  Employees may be subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Works Director or the Public Works Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

• Makes water taps, installs meter boxes, checks and repairs water main and service lines, valves, fire hydrants, and other utility infrastructure. 
• Reads water meters, takes meter rereads, cuts customer’s services on and off as directed.
• Locates water lines for NC811 tickets.
• Monitors Asset Essentials for work orders assigned to the water distribution system operator.
• Drive pickup trucks, dump trucks, and other vehicles and equipment.
• Collects samples of water, performs minor laboratory tests.
• Operates a variety of equipment to include mowers, weed eaters, bush hogs, backhoes, excavators, etc., used in the maintenance of grounds, utility easements and rights-of-ways.
• Uses shovels, hand tools, and other implements.
• Follows all required safety policies and procedures.
• Performs minor maintenance and lubrication on equipment used in the work. 
• Performs scheduled and emergency operations as needed.
• Performs after-hours standby work and is subject to weekend on-call work.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of hydraulic and mechanical principles pertinent to water operations.

Working knowledge of the tools, materials, methods, and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines and appurtenances. 

Working knowledge of basic equipment and vehicle maintenance.

General knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.      

Ability to quickly gain general knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a water distribution system.

Ability to perform manual labor at a steady pace and in varying weather conditions.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to use varied equipment required in the performance of duties.

Ability to read meters and chart accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, and other employees.

Ability to use and care for hand tools with skill and safely.

Ability to prepare simple written records of work activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform heavy work of exerting up to one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty (50) pounds of force frequently, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate equipment and distinguish safety hazards, perform mechanical work, perform visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use measuring devices, operate a computer, and determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school graduation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

* Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B CDL Driver’s License or ability to obtain within the timeframe
determined by the Town.

       * Possession of a Grade C Water Distribution Operator certification and a Water Backflow and Cross Connection
         Control certification issued by the State of North Carolina; or the ability to obtain within the timeframe determined by
         the Town.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Works Director and the Public Works Supervisor.

Interested in this position? Apply at www.boilingspringsnc.gov.